APL Logistics debuts 53-foot domestic boxes

APL Logistics debuts 53-foot domestic boxes

   APL Logistics said Thursday it has begun to deploy its own fleet of 53-foot containers in the North American domestic intermodal market.

   The third-party logistics provider first introduced the larger containers in May and expects to have 1,000 units by the end of August, and more by the end of the year.

   APL said its move to launch its own fleet of containers “comes at a time when an industry-wide equipment crunch introduces greater uncertainty into supply chains of manufacturers and retailers across the United States, Canada and Mexico.”

   It said the boxes will supplement containers provided by APL Logistics' railroad partners, thereby giving it access to an overall bigger pool of equipment.

   In 2007 APL began offering 53-foot containers on some of its transpacific services.